'What a life, what a talent. Very funny and very quirky, but don't be fooled: just as remarkable musicianship lies behind the sweet accessibility of his best-known tunes, so a fearsome intelligence and a huge heart lie behind the immortal battiness of Batt. A fabulously readable and enjoyable ride from first to last' -- Stephen Fry 'Brilliantly told, the fascinating life of one of Britain's greatest songwriters' -- Matt Lucas 'A brilliant, funny, emotional book - I really enjoyed reading it' -- David Quantick 'I've known Mike Batt for half a century. I've seen his ups and downs (mainly ups) at close quarters and have been fascinated and staggered in equal measure, as readers of this memoir will be. I write words. He writes both words and music, conducts, produces, orchestrates and sings. Very annoying. Luckily he's also a good egg and a very funny one' -- Tim Rice 'The Closest Thing to Crazy makes clear that if there is one thing Batt possesses it is the spirit to bounce back ... full of enthusiasm' * Independent * 'Crazy and unstoppable. A riotous romp that, like the career it chronicles, never pauses for breath. An unputdownable read' * Record Collector * '[ A] mind boggling autobiography. Batt emerges as a born risk taker, willing to stake everything on even the most reckless gamble' * the Telegraph * 'Batt's storytelling is sharp, his humor is infectious, and his willingness to laugh at himself is refreshing. Think of it as Spinal Tap meets the Muppet Show 10/10' * All About the Rock * 'We've never read anything like it - it's fantastic!' -- Mark Ellen * Word in Your Ear * 'Fabulous....a fund of funny stories' * Daily Mail *
